When Patrick Olusegun Odegbami applied for a radio license more than a decade ago, he didn’t envisage that his dream to join the league of private sports station owners would take almost two decades to become a reality.
His license was only approved in 2020 after applying for it since 2003.
The legendary footballer announced the commencement of the sports station, Eagle7, 103.7 FM last week. Located in Panseke, Abeokuta, Ogun State, the station may not have resumed full transmission, but it has commenced its test transmission.
The sports centered station succeeded in making its first test transmission after some technical hurdles, which almost forced the football legend give up on his dream.
It was gathered that several attempts were made to kick start transmission as technicians battled to rectify the major problem in the transmitter.
Despite getting Ecreso FM, which is the most advanced and sophisticated transmitter in the world, from Worldcast Systems, the equipment broke down. But technicians were able to fix it after several hours of anxiety.
It was a magical moment for the former governorship aspirant when the sound of Afro beat legend, Fela Anikulapo’s Water no get enemy broke through the sound wave and announced the beginning of Eagle7 FM’s operation.
However, a lot of work still needs to be done in terms of reconstruction and renovation of the transmitter which broke down just a few minutes before the takeoff time.
The studio and lounge are still miles away from being ready, but musicals from selected artistes would be on repeated play while the test transmission is still on-going.
After it fully takes off, the radio station will broadcast sporting activities with a full Afro-centric flavour.
